Sree Bhadrakali Temple which is located at Kollemcode Village belongs to Kanyakumari District in Tamil Nadu. This village is beside the border area of Kerala. This is the famous Temple in South India known as Sree Bhadrakali Devasom at Kollemkode and is an important temple that endows the followers with blessings of the Lord Bhadrakali who is believed to be the most efficient Lord in endowing blessings to the followers. It is a religious temple for the Hindus and is widely worshipped all over the country.There are two temples constructed for Sree Bhadrakali. One is at Kollemcode and the other one at Venkanji. There are two deities who are considered as sisters –– elder sister Bhadra and the youger Rudhra. Both the sisters Bhadra and Rudhra are worshipped at the same temple. ‘Bharani’ is the birthday of Sree Bhadrakali. Every month Bharani day is celebrated in a grand manner. On the Bharani Day in the Meenam month (March or April) of every year ‘Thookkam’ Festival is celebrated. Lakhs of people from all over India participate in the function.This temple is believed to have omni presence of Goddess and daily worship (Pooja) is being conducted here. Besides this, there is another “Mudippura” at Venkanji province where festivals are celebrated. The famous “Thookka Mahotsavam” is celebrated in “Meenabharani ” which is the birth date of the Goddess and is celebrated at Venkanji Temple.
History of Sree Bhadrakali Temple
As per the writings on the temple wall this temple is believed to be constructed by the King Pulakesi II ofChalukya dynasty around 625 A.D to commemorate his victory over Vengi region of Andhra Desham. This can be observed from the square pillars used in the temple structure which were different from the circular pillars commonly used in temples constructed by Kakatiyas.Sri Ganapathi Sastri (a.k.a. B. S. Ganesh Rao) a Brahmin and devi upasaka (Devotee of Goddess Kali) from Karnatakahas migrated to Warangal in 1940’s. He noticed the old Bhadrakali temple and has taken interest in renovating the temple. He constructed a small house next to the temple and started living in this isolated place. He along with Sri Mudumbai Ramanujacharya sought the help of Sri Maganlal Sameja (a prominent local merchant) and other affluent locals and renovated the old temple in 1950. Many persons like Brahmasri Sri Hari Radhakrishnamurthy, Adluri Seetharama Shastry, Vangala Guravaiah, Thandra Venkata Rama Narsaiah, Mahatapaswini Mangalambika and Tankasala Narasimha Rao have lent their hands in the renovation work of the temple.
Before the temple was renovated in 1950 there were Animal Sacrifices at the temple (an old custom at Kali temples in India). This practice was stopped from 1950 onwards after the renovation of the temple Travel Guides in Tamil Nadu. During the renovation, Chandi yantra was installed in the temple and amrutha beejaksharas (holy shlokas) were written on the deity’s hanging tongue and modified the deity’s fierce looking eyes and tongue to a pleasant looking face. Since then everyday poojas, Sharannavaratras, Vasantha navarathras are being conducted regularly as per the Vedic rites.Sri Ganapathi Sastri, at the age of 113, died on 11 November 2011 in Warangal. He was survived by two sons and three daughters. He was the Bhadrakali’s temple trustee at the time of his death. The temple and the people of Warangal has lost a great man who has developed the temple single handedly. His son Sri B. Seshagiri Rao has taken over the temple affairs as chief priest a few years ago.
Major Attractions
The high point of Bhadrakali Temple is the lake adjoining the temple. The lake has a capacity of 160 million cubic feet (mcft). Earlier rain was the only source of water for this lake and during drought season the lake gets dried up completely. About 20 years ago pipelines were laid from Kakatiya Canal which brings water from Manair Dam in Karimnagar District and now the lake is full throughout the year. Bhadrakali lake is now used as one of the source of drinking water for Warangal and Hanamkonda cities. The AP Tourism has introduced boats in the lake and one can enjoy a good relaxing boat ride in the lake.A number of natural rock formations in the surrounding area add to the spiritual charm of the temple and one can relax during a visit to temple in the evening with a beautiful sunset in to the hills.
Festivel in Temple
Mena Bharani – Thookkam Festivel
The Bharani Festival during the Malayalam month of meenam – March – April is the most important festival. The thookkam is celebrated at Venkanji Mudippura 1 km away from Kollemcode Mudippura where the deities are preserved. The Thookkam is an offering particularly favoured by the Devi and it is popular among the devotees in an around of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The festival lasts forten days. The most famous Thookkam is a sight to see not explain. On the first day of the festival ‘Devizhunnullathu from Kollemcode Mudippura to Venkanji Mudippura is accompany by elephants, various kinds of melams of the best artists of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. An important aspect of the festival is the hoisting of the Temple Flag. Lakhs of people participate irrespective of caste, creed and race.
Pathmudaya – Pongala
Every year the offering of Pongala is a special temple practice on the Pathamudayam Day of the Malayalam month ‘Medam’ – April. Thousands of devotees assemble from different parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Thye observe Pongala rituals in and around of the temple Leksharchana is the most important part of the ‘Pongala Mahotsava’.
Kaliyottu
Kaliyoottu is conducted once in twelve years. According is legends Lord Siva created Bhadrakali to get rid of the atrocities of the giant Durikan. Sree Bhadrakali beheaded Darikan in the battle. The festival lasts four ten days. On the last day the ground battle takes place. Lakhs of people gather to witness the battle.
How to reach the Temple
- Through Airways -Tamilnadu is well connected to all the regions in the state and in the country
- Through Railways- Kanyakumari is well connected by railways with the rest of the country.
- Through Roadways- the city is facilitated with good road transport facilities. It will not be an exaggeration to say that Sree Bhadrakali Temple is a Beautiful Place For Vacations.